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Silver Ships #18
Elvians
Two crises challenge the Omnians. Alex Racine’s fleet draws a first-contact conflict, which faces the Ollassa, a symbiotic flora race. The Omnian fleet sails from alliance space in an effort to interdict an alien ship that arrives at the Worlds of Lights, the Ollassa system. Soon after arriving, the alien ship deploys machines to scour asteroids for resources in the system’s far belt.
Alex’s fleet arrives too late to prevent the Ollassa from attempting to oust the interlopers. The ill-equipped Ollassa attack the harvesting machines, and alien fighters destroy every Ollassa ship. The Omnians find not a single piece of debris from the alien fighters. The Ollassa fail to score one kill.
The fleet’s SADEs, self-aware digital entities, make contact with the aliens and discover an artificial intelligence (AI) guides the ship and its defenses. Omnians are reminded of recent encounters with AIs, none of which have been good. Wary of the new AI, precautions are taken.
Alex’s first-contact efforts are embroiled in a mire of political conflict. A highly structured race exists aboard the alien ship. Those individuals, who live in the core, service the elites who inhabit the arches. One elite, the Deloy, rules the ship and the AI.
Alex must broker a shift in the ship’s political structure to balance the power within the alien race. Afterward, he must deal with the Ollassa losses. During these delicate steps, the fleet prepares against the launch of the alien ship’s fleet of deadly fighters.
Alex’s fleet arrives too late to prevent the Ollassa from attempting to oust the interlopers. The ill-equipped Ollassa attack the harvesting machines, and alien fighters destroy every Ollassa ship. The Omnians find not a single piece of debris from the alien fighters. The Ollassa fail to score one kill.
The fleet’s SADEs, self-aware digital entities, make contact with the aliens and discover an artificial intelligence (AI) guides the ship and its defenses. Omnians are reminded of recent encounters with AIs, none of which have been good. Wary of the new AI, precautions are taken.
Alex’s first-contact efforts are embroiled in a mire of political conflict. A highly structured race exists aboard the alien ship. Those individuals, who live in the core, service the elites who inhabit the arches. One elite, the Deloy, rules the ship and the AI.
Alex must broker a shift in the ship’s political structure to balance the power within the alien race. Afterward, he must deal with the Ollassa losses. During these delicate steps, the fleet prepares against the launch of the alien ship’s fleet of deadly fighters.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2020
393 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Jucha
45 books472 followersFrom my early years to the present, books have been a refuge. They’ve fueled my imagination. I’ve traveled to faraway places and met aliens with Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, Herbert, and Le Guin. I’ve explored historical events with Michener and Clavell, and I played spy with Ludlum and Fleming.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 10, 2022
I have been a fan of the Silver Ship Series since I read book one. Most of the key characters are in this book. It also includes the exciting first contact with a new species. I have been fascinated with the SADEs and that continues with this book. If you are looking for a Sci-fi series to read, you cannot go wrong with this one.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and thirty-five minutes. Nicola Poole does a good job narrating the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and thirty-five minutes. Nicola Poole does a good job narrating the book.
April 21, 2022
Quite good!
December 10, 2020
I liked this story and gave it a rating of 4 instead of 3 because Alex was a major player in the story. While I liked the story and the Elvian species on the Arcus were believable, all million or so of them, I had a real problem believing that the Ollassa were capable of things described in the book. I know that in reading science fiction you need an open mind to believe things that do not seem normal. But I just found it hard to believe that a sentient species like the Ollassa could have the manual dexterity to construct, let alone operate, mechanical equipment like trams and space ships. The picture that I got of the Ollassa was a species that is very fragile and construction work just does not go with that.
The Omnians arrive after a space battle between the Ollessa and the Elvians where drones from the Elvians space ark destroy a number of Ollassa ships. Alex and his crew of SADE's succeed in forging a cease fire and then an alliance with the two species that allows the Elvians to settle in domes on portions of the Ollassa's planet. Alex and the SADE's work the truce in such a manner so that they get one of the Elvin's ships drone to deconstruct to determine its properties and future usefulness to them. In the end, all is well. I look forward to the next book ............................... hopefully soon!!!
The Omnians arrive after a space battle between the Ollessa and the Elvians where drones from the Elvians space ark destroy a number of Ollassa ships. Alex and his crew of SADE's succeed in forging a cease fire and then an alliance with the two species that allows the Elvians to settle in domes on portions of the Ollassa's planet. Alex and the SADE's work the truce in such a manner so that they get one of the Elvin's ships drone to deconstruct to determine its properties and future usefulness to them. In the end, all is well. I look forward to the next book ............................... hopefully soon!!!
March 20, 2021
Returning to the Silver Ships after a brief hiatus, you would hope that the excitement of finding oneself once again on the World of Light would be overwhelming. Instead, the resistance that had been built up to what is, indisputably, an ode to cults of personality, had diminished to such a level that I was left nauseated.
This was no doubt exacerbated by Scarlet Mandator being promoted to his own form of cult leader, resulting in an uneven triangle between our two heroic fascists and a caricature of balance in an Elvian dictator. Even here though, the follies of unilateralism are not exposed as the antagonist is not yet a teenager. The message? Benevolent dictatorship = Good; but maybe don't use a child. Laughably, the author tries to paint the Omnians as exporters of democracy...
Hardly a palatable message.
This was no doubt exacerbated by Scarlet Mandator being promoted to his own form of cult leader, resulting in an uneven triangle between our two heroic fascists and a caricature of balance in an Elvian dictator. Even here though, the follies of unilateralism are not exposed as the antagonist is not yet a teenager. The message? Benevolent dictatorship = Good; but maybe don't use a child. Laughably, the author tries to paint the Omnians as exporters of democracy...
Hardly a palatable message.
November 4, 2020
Alex Racine and his Omnians are at it again. The fleet, with Alex and Rene, are at the Ollassa system. This is the home system of one of the weirder aliens that Alex has helped in the past. The Ollassa are plant people! Yes, you probably remember them from their brief appearance in "Vinium". The don't actually "talk", but have a way to communicate to Alex just like every other race seems to do.
They have contacted the Omnians to ask for help. The Ollassa are very benign, but they do have some armed spacecraft which they sent to attack and unknown starship which had started harvesting minerals from the Ollassa asteroids. To do so without the permission of the system inhabitants is paramount to war. Yet, after the initial attack, which wasn't successful at all, the aliens did nothing more, but continue to harvest minerals. The Ollassa didn't know how to handle the situation so they called for their friend, Alex!
Alex and his team immediately set out to find out who these new aliens were and what they were doing. They might not have known this system belonged to another race, yet they should have when they were attacked. From observing the operations of the remote mining equipment and numerous drones hovering over them, it was believed that this was all ran by an AI with no human or alien involved. And, this AI and these new people he represented appeared to be at least as technologically advanced as the Omnians or maybe even more so. Alex really didn't want to tangle with them.
So this story is about how, once again, Alex Racine and his Omnians solve the problems between two very different species and reach a solution that eventually helps both parties. They also find another highly advanced AI named "Vyztram". He was about equal to Julien, an Omnian SADE, yet he wasn't mobile. He was confined to the starship, Arcus, was in his care as well as the Elvians who lived aboard the starship. The biggest problem facing Alex is that the leader of the Elvians is one single very young Elite named "Deloy". Actually, that was her title and that's what everyone called her. She was and is spoiled rotten and expects everything to be done for her at her demand. This includes commanding a very powerful and deadly starship! Alex has some major work to do in this book.
Again, this is great writing. Mr. Jucha shows how things can get done without the need to fight even if the two or three parties don't agree on everything. Compromise is the way to go and everyone lives long lives or so that's how it's been working out to date. I don't know how long Mr. Jucha can continue this series, but I do know there will be another book titled, "Q-Gates" coming soon!
They have contacted the Omnians to ask for help. The Ollassa are very benign, but they do have some armed spacecraft which they sent to attack and unknown starship which had started harvesting minerals from the Ollassa asteroids. To do so without the permission of the system inhabitants is paramount to war. Yet, after the initial attack, which wasn't successful at all, the aliens did nothing more, but continue to harvest minerals. The Ollassa didn't know how to handle the situation so they called for their friend, Alex!
Alex and his team immediately set out to find out who these new aliens were and what they were doing. They might not have known this system belonged to another race, yet they should have when they were attacked. From observing the operations of the remote mining equipment and numerous drones hovering over them, it was believed that this was all ran by an AI with no human or alien involved. And, this AI and these new people he represented appeared to be at least as technologically advanced as the Omnians or maybe even more so. Alex really didn't want to tangle with them.
So this story is about how, once again, Alex Racine and his Omnians solve the problems between two very different species and reach a solution that eventually helps both parties. They also find another highly advanced AI named "Vyztram". He was about equal to Julien, an Omnian SADE, yet he wasn't mobile. He was confined to the starship, Arcus, was in his care as well as the Elvians who lived aboard the starship. The biggest problem facing Alex is that the leader of the Elvians is one single very young Elite named "Deloy". Actually, that was her title and that's what everyone called her. She was and is spoiled rotten and expects everything to be done for her at her demand. This includes commanding a very powerful and deadly starship! Alex has some major work to do in this book.
Again, this is great writing. Mr. Jucha shows how things can get done without the need to fight even if the two or three parties don't agree on everything. Compromise is the way to go and everyone lives long lives or so that's how it's been working out to date. I don't know how long Mr. Jucha can continue this series, but I do know there will be another book titled, "Q-Gates" coming soon!
October 19, 2020
Long awaited sequel about the World of Light and its inhabitants
Scarlet Mandator is back with a story of how his world gains protectors from a most unusual source.
Alex and his companions play a large part in the story with their ability to create alliances without violence being a enjoyable part of the whole.
Worth the read!!!
Scarlet Mandator is back with a story of how his world gains protectors from a most unusual source.
Alex and his companions play a large part in the story with their ability to create alliances without violence being a enjoyable part of the whole.
Worth the read!!!
February 21, 2021
Another good book dragged down by poor narration.
This book is back to the typical Silver Ships formula of Alex finds something he doesn't like and convinces everyone that his was is best. A few don't agree and they are abandoned to their fate.
The characters are silver ships alum and a few new. Obvious bad guys and typical good guys. Everything typical of the silver ships.
I was a bit disappointed that the Pyreans style of; bad things that happen and have to be delt with in bad ways, was abandoned in this book. But as this is a more typical silver ships book that is fine. Alex doesn't tolerate such nonsense.
Honestly, there is little new here, it is pain by numbers Silver Ships. If you liked the previous books, you'll like this.
The only bad thing about the book is the voice narration. I've said it since she took over, but Nicole Poole was a poor choice. She is still mispronounciating words and has such a limited range that all the characters seem the same. There are so many excellent narrators out there, I don't know why Ms. Poole was chosen I don't understand.
All in all, a typically good Silver ships book. Only draw back was poor voice narration. While I'm not sure a THIRD narrator on this series would be a good thing, the narrator was the wrong choice.
This book is back to the typical Silver Ships formula of Alex finds something he doesn't like and convinces everyone that his was is best. A few don't agree and they are abandoned to their fate.
The characters are silver ships alum and a few new. Obvious bad guys and typical good guys. Everything typical of the silver ships.
I was a bit disappointed that the Pyreans style of; bad things that happen and have to be delt with in bad ways, was abandoned in this book. But as this is a more typical silver ships book that is fine. Alex doesn't tolerate such nonsense.
Honestly, there is little new here, it is pain by numbers Silver Ships. If you liked the previous books, you'll like this.
The only bad thing about the book is the voice narration. I've said it since she took over, but Nicole Poole was a poor choice. She is still mispronounciating words and has such a limited range that all the characters seem the same. There are so many excellent narrators out there, I don't know why Ms. Poole was chosen I don't understand.
All in all, a typically good Silver ships book. Only draw back was poor voice narration. While I'm not sure a THIRD narrator on this series would be a good thing, the narrator was the wrong choice.
October 12, 2020
Alex Racine and his companions face yet another challenge--a group of sentient biologicals, the Elvians, on an aging and slowly deteriorating space ship, led by a petulant, spoiled teenager who inherited her position. Enter the Ollassa, (previously the Vinium, a race of sentient plants) who need help defending themselves from aggressive races prowling deep space. Can Alex and his team convince the two groups look past their mutual suspicions and work together? Can Vyztram, the Elvian AI (artificial intelligence) become a SADE (self aware digital entity) like Julian, Z, Miranda, and several others working with Alex? Like all of the SILVER SHIPS stories, there are a lot of people doing a lot of things across the vast reaches of deep space.
November 9, 2022
First contact and return to the Olassa
At the end of book 16 there is a setup of one group going to Talus and another checking out an intruder at Olassa. Book 17 covered the former and this one is the latter.
It is really entertaining to read about a new group of aliens with different technology and Alex finding a way around difficulties to solve problems.
Life is never boring with Alex and the SADEs. Things are coming together. I’m sorry that there are only two more books in the series. I’ve found every one entertaining with different stories
At the end of book 16 there is a setup of one group going to Talus and another checking out an intruder at Olassa. Book 17 covered the former and this one is the latter.
It is really entertaining to read about a new group of aliens with different technology and Alex finding a way around difficulties to solve problems.
Life is never boring with Alex and the SADEs. Things are coming together. I’m sorry that there are only two more books in the series. I’ve found every one entertaining with different stories
November 20, 2020
The world of light...
I wish I had re-read Vinium before starting this book. It is not necessary to read it but it would have provided a little more back story to understand the Ollassa better. I enjoyed the story and I hope to never be lead by a spoiled child. Alex and company reunited with lived ones. I await to see what Alain will embrace as a career and hope that Ude is physically healed. Waiting impatiently for the next book.
I wish I had re-read Vinium before starting this book. It is not necessary to read it but it would have provided a little more back story to understand the Ollassa better. I enjoyed the story and I hope to never be lead by a spoiled child. Alex and company reunited with lived ones. I await to see what Alain will embrace as a career and hope that Ude is physically healed. Waiting impatiently for the next book.
October 8, 2020
Another great book
Alex Racine’s latest adventure involves an intervention between two vastly different species but the familiar problems associated with social stratification within any group or society. There is the usual update of the crew members. A very entertaining and enjoyable book.
Alex Racine’s latest adventure involves an intervention between two vastly different species but the familiar problems associated with social stratification within any group or society. There is the usual update of the crew members. A very entertaining and enjoyable book.
April 23, 2023
This was back to the interesting roots of the Silver Ships books as the good guys encounter an advanced aggressive civilisation making their way through space and come to the rescue of a peaceful species. There were lots of interesting ideas and lots of humour and compassion which is what I find so enticing about these books.
October 2, 2020
Exhilarating
The characters are unbelievably complex and a pleasure to read about. The intricacies of alien culture and technology are an absolute marvel. He has created another amazing book and I can't wait for the next one.
The characters are unbelievably complex and a pleasure to read about. The intricacies of alien culture and technology are an absolute marvel. He has created another amazing book and I can't wait for the next one.
October 3, 2020
Another grand slam!
This chapter brought back fond memories of the earliest stories. A great reminder of S.H. Jucha's excellent writing. Rich characters, excellent stories and a universe I wish I could live in.
This chapter brought back fond memories of the earliest stories. A great reminder of S.H. Jucha's excellent writing. Rich characters, excellent stories and a universe I wish I could live in.
October 10, 2020
Alex leading again
Once again the omianians and Alex lead the universe in the peaceful coexistence that he wants and a further step to cooperative universe set at the world of light a series of events calls Alex back to,protect all friends
Once again the omianians and Alex lead the universe in the peaceful coexistence that he wants and a further step to cooperative universe set at the world of light a series of events calls Alex back to,protect all friends
October 11, 2020
Outstanding! I’ve read every Silver Ships book and have never been able to put any of them down before finishing. Also this series is the only series I’ve ever rated every book 5 stars. Scott Jucha is the number 1, without a doubt, best sifi writer today.
October 14, 2020
A good book showing how complacency in the status quo leads to revolutions
I really interesting to see this new civilization called the Elvians have been trapped in a situation for so long and an event changes everything.
I really interesting to see this new civilization called the Elvians have been trapped in a situation for so long and an event changes everything.
October 15, 2020
Maybe the best adventure in the series yet.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The storyline has diversity and makes you hope for the characters successes.
Hopefully many more adventures to come.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The storyline has diversity and makes you hope for the characters successes.
Hopefully many more adventures to come.
October 16, 2020
Great, as usual
Another excellent edition of The Silver Ships series! The only problem I have with this book (and all Mr. Jucha's books) is that you have to wait several months for the next book in the series.
Another excellent edition of The Silver Ships series! The only problem I have with this book (and all Mr. Jucha's books) is that you have to wait several months for the next book in the series.
October 26, 2020
Different species learn to live together for mutual benefit.
Alex and his friends bring peace to two species while preventing a war. Negotiations result in growth for all parties to be able to survive the future. We need to take lessons from Alex.
Alex and his friends bring peace to two species while preventing a war. Negotiations result in growth for all parties to be able to survive the future. We need to take lessons from Alex.
October 31, 2020
Silver Ships keeps delivering
Even after 18 books in the series the content is still fresh. I was worried that when the Omnians encountered the Olyssys that was the end of it. Not so. Thanks for the new encounter and new race. Looking forward to Q-Gates.
Even after 18 books in the series the content is still fresh. I was worried that when the Omnians encountered the Olyssys that was the end of it. Not so. Thanks for the new encounter and new race. Looking forward to Q-Gates.
November 6, 2020
Another fascinating alien race!
I’m amazed at this writers imagination. Each book introduces us to new alien life. I especially like how all of the characters are developed. As you read his books, you become a watchful observer of their worlds. Can hardly wait for the next book.
I’m amazed at this writers imagination. Each book introduces us to new alien life. I especially like how all of the characters are developed. As you read his books, you become a watchful observer of their worlds. Can hardly wait for the next book.
November 9, 2020
Loved this
I absolutely loved this series. The characters are exciting and kind. The sentients are inventive and numerous. It's a toss up between this series and the Hidden Ship series. Both were excellent!
I absolutely loved this series. The characters are exciting and kind. The sentients are inventive and numerous. It's a toss up between this series and the Hidden Ship series. Both were excellent!
November 10, 2020
Wow another fantastic story in this series
This series keeps giving us fascinating stories in this continuing series. The story and characters are excellent and keep you wanting more. ENJOY!
This series keeps giving us fascinating stories in this continuing series. The story and characters are excellent and keep you wanting more. ENJOY!
March 12, 2025
Another fun ride
The large activity at the end is a metaphor for what you do in these stories what you explore first contacts. The delicate and ornate footwork is always a pleasure to read.
The large activity at the end is a metaphor for what you do in these stories what you explore first contacts. The delicate and ornate footwork is always a pleasure to read.
October 3, 2020
Alex at his best
There are times when we need to be reminded that humanity can be great if we work for the best outcome for all. Alex and company are that reminder for me.
There are times when we need to be reminded that humanity can be great if we work for the best outcome for all. Alex and company are that reminder for me.
October 4, 2020
Fantastic Series
This story of a race of elves who are settling on a planet of sentient plants and trees was absolutely awesome. Can’t wait for the next adventures.
This story of a race of elves who are settling on a planet of sentient plants and trees was absolutely awesome. Can’t wait for the next adventures.
October 16, 2020
Wonderful Story
I just love this series. The interaction of the characters is charming.
The story itself is very entertaining. I highly recommend you read these books!
I just love this series. The interaction of the characters is charming.
The story itself is very entertaining. I highly recommend you read these books!
October 17, 2020
Wonderful novel
This is a great extension of the Silver Ships series. Another great novel of adventure and conflict resolution. Great alien species and unique situations.
This is a great extension of the Silver Ships series. Another great novel of adventure and conflict resolution. Great alien species and unique situations.
October 18, 2020
Fun read in silver ships series
I enjoyed this book, If you enjoy the silver ships novels, you will enjoy this one. Alex, and crew save two races in this book.
I enjoyed this book, If you enjoy the silver ships novels, you will enjoy this one. Alex, and crew save two races in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews